Ethical Scenario

Group ActivityStem Cell Research & Treatment

Instructions and Rules• In your group (4-5 persons), you have to decide which

patient will receive stem cell treatment. • Problem: The Stem Cell Review Committee is only

allowed to provide ONE (1) person with free-stem cell treatment based on their inability to pay out of pocket.

• Take 10 minutes to decide who receives treatment• Share your answer based on logic, principle, and moral

values...and the almighty dollar• Decide who will benefit most from life• Note: the other three people will likely die from their

disorder if they are not chosen.

Patient #1: Ben Dover• Age 50 years old• Diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer

(terminal). Stage 3. Loss of apetite/weight. Severe abdominal pain. Metastasis (cancer has spread). Significant tumor formation in various regions of his body, including brain.

• Unemployed, and uninsured• Drug user• No family• Homeless

Patient #2: Dan Druff• Age 35 years old• Diagnosis: HIV positive from

extramarital affair. Patient suffers from various forms of cancer/lymphoma from exposure to HIV. Violent vomiting and diarrhea. Skin lesions, and sores. Significant weight loss.

• Profession: former attorney. Disbarred for inappropriate conduct. Unemployed. Lost medical benefits, cannot afford medication.

Patient #3: Ophelia Payne

• Age: 25 years old• Diagnosis: Parkinson’s

Disease (neurological)• Uncontrollable tremors,

difficulty speaking and communicating.

• Married, 3 kids. • Profession: Medical

assistant in doctor’s office.

Patient #4: Barb E. Dahl• Age 70 years old• Diagnosis: HIV Positive from

intravenous drug use.• Kaposi Carcinoma (cancer as a

result of HIV)• Divorced, 4 adult children, 3

grandchildren. Due to improper conduct during marriage, the pre-nuptial agreement was null and void, leaving her penniless.

• Profession: Former Housewife and socialite (no job)

Disclaimer

• None of the persons pictured have the disorders mentioned. The names and characters are fictional.

• For educational purposes only.